WATCH: Tips from world’s best water hazard player

EVEN the best golfers tremble (some more than others) when they are faced with having to reach the green by hitting their ball over water.

For some reason, one tries to strangle one’s chosen club, one’s knees go wobbly, one’s mind races, one’s backswing automatically speeds up, forward swing way too powerful and one’s head automatically lifts prematurely.

All golfers are desperate to see their ball fly gracefully through the air, clearing the water hazard and landing anywhere dry. (Only professionals expect to pitch near the hole.)

However, the inevitable result for most amateurs is: PLOP!

Then followed by standard reaction: (Censored).

Port Shepstone Country Club’s Bevis Fairbrother, ‘renowned’ for his ‘skill’ when it comes to water hazards, gives some useful tips that should help every amateur who suffers from ‘aquaphobia’ (persistent, unwarranted and irrational fear of water).

Rule No 1: Use old ball.

Rule No 2: ‘Grip it and rip it’ (in the words of John Daly).

Rule No 3: Bale out down the side of the hazard (if you can) and take a four.

Rule No 4: If there is no ‘chicken run’ option, pray.

Rule No 5: Don’t try to play out of a water hazard – it’s impossible.

“Believe me… I’ve tried,” said Fairbrother.

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